Arkansas Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries

Explore Arkansas zoos, safari parks, and wildlife refuges featuring exotic animals, endangered species conservation, and family-friendly experiences across the Natural State.

8+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

1

AZA-Accredited Zoo

400+

Animals at Little Rock Zoo

100+

Big Cats at Turpentine Creek

Safari Parks & Drive-Through Experiences

Eureka Springs Safari Park

Location: Eureka Springs, AR

Hours: Check website

Highlights: Family-owned wildlife adventure on 120 acres. Home to hundreds of rare and endangered species. Drive-through experience where animals approach vehicles for personal encounters. Features bison, deer, elk, antelope, camels, kangaroos. Parakeet Paradise free-flight aviary with hundreds of vibrant birds (complimentary parakeet stick for feeding). Petting zoo includes nursery for bottle babies, tropical birds, reptiles, prairie dogs, lemurs, small mammals. VIP Safari Adventure with hands-on baby animal playtime. Breeding facility helps protect rare and endangered species, some no longer found in wild.

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Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari CLOSED

Former Location: 20923 Safari Rd, Gentry, AR

Status: Closed to public (closure may be permanent)

History: Founded in 1951 by Ross and Freda Wilmoth. Grew from small farm into major attraction with 1,200+ exotic animals representing 100+ species across 300 acres. Featured 4-mile drive through ponds, streams, woodlands with tigers from Asia, lions and zebras from Africa, kangaroos from Australia, monkeys from South America, bears and cougars from North America. Included 10-acre walk-through petting zoo. Operated since 1970s. Closure announced due to business factors affecting operations. One of Northwest Arkansas's oldest tourist attractions.

Former attraction (no longer operating)

Wildlife Refuges & Sanctuaries

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Address: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Phone: Check website

Hours: No set entry times, flexible visit duration

Highlights: One of largest big cat sanctuaries in United States on 459 acres. USDA-licensed non-profit founded 1992. Over 30 years, rescued 500+ animals from private owners, roadside zoos, abuse and neglect situations. Houses 100+ animals primarily focusing on tigers, plus lions, ligers, cougars, servals, bobcats, bears, jaguars, leopards, hyenas, caracals. Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Verified Status (2014). Recent expansion: Freedom Field with 13.5 acres, 44 new habitat enclosures for 33 cats from Florida rescue. Top 10 Arkansas attraction, most popular in Eureka Springs. Overnight lodging via Safari Lodge, RV park, camping facilities. Education Station with visual displays on big cat physiology, Touch and Feel center with fur, whiskers, toys.

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Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation

Location: Northwest Arkansas

Contact: Check website

Hours: By appointment

Highlights: 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to medical care for injured avian wildlife while promoting environmental conservation through community involvement and education. Not permitted to intake mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. Focus on wild bird rehabilitation and release back to wild.

Visit website for contact information

Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas

Location: Central Arkansas

Contact: Check website

Hours: By appointment

Highlights: 501(c)(3) non-profit providing quality care and rehabilitation for ill, injured, or orphaned birds of prey with goal of release back into wild. Specializes in raptors including hawks, eagles, owls, falcons.

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Specialty Animal Attractions

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

Address: 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: Check website

Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30 AM-5 PM

Highlights: Oldest attraction in Hot Springs (established 1902), watched over by same family for 3+ generations. 200 alligators plus cougars, turkeys, chickens, wild boars, turtles, bobcats, ring-tailed lemurs. Petting zoo with goats, emus, llamas, white-tailed deer, pigs, baby alligators. Hold baby alligators, feed and pet miniature goats, see wolves, lemurs, raccoons up close. Live alligator feeding shows every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday at noon (May through mid-October). Famous for Babe Ruth's 573-foot home run landing in second pond (1918). Features "The Merman" display - half-fish half-monkey specimen from Hong Kong, exhibited at National Museum of China.

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Cockrill's Country Critters

Location: Cabot, AR

Hours: Check website

Highlights: Hands-on petting zoo where kids can feed, touch, and learn about friendly farm animals. Family-friendly interactive animal experience. Educational programs about animal care and farm life.

Contact for visiting information

Barnyard Friends

Location: Morrilton, AR

Hours: Check website

Highlights: Hands-on animal experience for children. Interactive petting zoo with farm animals. Educational focus on animal care and agriculture.

Contact for visiting information

Aquariums & Nature Centers

Blue Zoo Aquarium

Location: Rogers, AR (Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall)

Hours: Check website

Highlights: First aquarium in Arkansas to offer variety of hands-on experiences. Interactive destination featuring touch pools, feedings, animal encounters. State-of-the-art facility showcasing aquatic life from around world.

Visit website for hours and pricing

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

Location: Little Rock, AR

Hours: Check website

Admission: FREE

Highlights: Only aquarium in state capital. Founded 2008, one of four Arkansas Game and Fish Commission state centers. Features aquariums and exhibits highlighting Arkansas fish and wildlife, native plants, conservation work. Exhibit hall, theater, special educational programs. Grounds include beds of native plants found throughout state.

Contact AGFC for visiting information

National Park Aquarium

Location: Hot Springs, AR

Hours: Check website

Highlights: Largest exhibit of aquatic life in Arkansas. Over 60 exhibits featuring 80+ species including freshwater and saltwater fish, salamanders, frogs, lizards, turtles, tortoises, aquatic invertebrates. Family-friendly attraction showcasing elegant to bizarre aquatic creatures.

Contact for visiting details

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Optimal Seasons: April-May (spring) and September-October (fall) offer mild weather perfect for exploring outdoor zoos and wildlife parks.

Fall (Best Overall): Mid-late September brings cooler weather, lower humidity. Late September/early October offers hint of coolness after summer heat.

Summer Warning: Very hot and humid. Weather hot by late May through September. Average highs 93°F in July, can exceed 100°F. Humidity up to 85%.

Spring Considerations: April has highest average rainfall and occasional tornado potential. Bring cool clothing, drink plenty of water, take afternoon heat breaks.

Admission Discounts

Little Rock Zoo - Zoo for All: $2 admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders (up to 6 tickets per card). Must present valid SNAP card and matching photo ID.

Little Rock Community Days: $2 tickets for Little Rock residents with valid driver's license, state ID, or utility bill. 2024 dates: March 30, June 1, Sept 28, Dec 14.

Parking Discounts: Little Rock Zoo - $1 parking for Zoo for All participants (vs. $3 standard).

Reciprocal Admission: Little Rock Zoo members receive free or discounted admission to 150+ zoos nationwide through AZA reciprocal program.

Little Rock Zoo Membership

Benefits: Unlimited zoo visits for full year, free daily admission (excludes ticketed events), free parking, discounts on camps/education programs/gift shop/select events, $1 off train and carousel rides.

Reciprocal Admission: Free or discounted admission to 150+ zoos and aquariums nationwide.

Conservation Support: Membership funds support local and global conservation efforts, endangered species protection, inclusive community programs.

Value: Visit twice and membership practically pays for itself. Physical membership cards available for $5. Online purchase includes $3 service fee.

Accessibility

Little Rock Zoo: Wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout. Sensory-friendly exhibits. KultureCity partnership for Sensory Inclusive experience (accommodates autism, dementia, PTSD). Mobility device rentals at Safari Trader Gift Shop (first-come, first-serve). Service animals welcome per ADA.

Drive-Through Parks: Eureka Springs Safari Park naturally accessible - view from comfort of vehicle.

Assistance: Contact Little Rock Zoo Guest Services at (501) 661-7235 for accessibility questions or visit planning help.

Conservation Programs

Little Rock Zoo Conservation

AZA SAFE Programs: Supports Saving Animals From Extinction programs for sloth bears, Asian elephants, orangutans.

Global Efforts: Active role in global conservation protecting wildlife and habitats worldwide.

Support: Arkansas Zoological Foundation provides philanthropic support for animal welfare, conservation, and education programs.

Eureka Springs Safari Park Conservation

Breeding Facility: Helps protect and preserve rare and endangered species, some no longer found in wild.

Education: Promotes wildlife conservation awareness through close-up animal experiences.

Arkansas Endangered Species

State Monitoring: 37 species closely monitored to ensure viability in Arkansas including bats, birds, beetles.

Federal Status: 20 endangered, 8 threatened, 4 candidates. Includes Indiana bat (largest hibernating colony at Sherfield Cave), Ozark big-eared bat, gray myotis, speckled pocketbook mussel.

Critical Species: Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Ozark Hellbender salamander, American Burying Beetle.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Network

AGFC System: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission oversees licensed wildlife rehabilitators who take in sick, injured, or orphaned animals for release back to wild.

Volunteers: Rehabilitators are volunteers (not AGFC employees) receiving no compensation. Accept donations for food, veterinary care, transportation.

Contact: Licensed rehabilitator list available at AGFC website or (800) 364-4263.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock Zoological Gardens is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Arkansas, with accreditation through September 2027. Founded in 1924, the zoo has grown from just 2 animals (a timber wolf and circus bear) to over 725 animals representing 200+ species across 33 acres. AZA accreditation is achieved by fewer than 10% of approximately 2,800 animal exhibits operating under USDA license. The accreditation process requires passing application and inspection by three experts (veterinarian, animal care expert, zoo management expert) reviewed by a panel of twelve experts, repeated every five years to ensure highest standards in animal health, welfare, fundraising, staffing, and global conservation involvement.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States, located on 459 acres in Eureka Springs. Founded in 1992, this USDA-licensed non-profit has rescued over 500 animals from private owners, roadside zoos, and situations of abuse and neglect over 30+ years. The refuge houses 100+ animals primarily focusing on tigers, plus lions, ligers, cougars, servals, bobcats, bears, jaguars, leopards, hyenas, and caracals. It achieved Verified Status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in 2014 and is ranked as a Top 10 Arkansas attraction. Recent expansion includes Freedom Field with 13.5 acres and 44 new habitat enclosures. Visitors can stay overnight at Safari Lodge, RV park, or camping facilities, and learn about big cats at the Education Station with hands-on Touch and Feel center.

Yes, Little Rock Zoo offers excellent discount programs. The Zoo for All initiative provides $2 admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders (up to 6 tickets per card) with valid SNAP card and matching photo ID, purchased in person. Little Rock Community Days offer $2 tickets for Little Rock residents with valid driver's license, state ID, or utility bill on specific dates (2024 dates: March 30, June 1, September 28, December 14). Zoo for All participants also receive discounted parking at $1 per vehicle versus the standard $3 fee. Zoo members always park free. These programs make the zoo accessible and affordable for all community members. Visit twice and a zoo membership practically pays for itself while supporting conservation efforts.

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo in Hot Springs is the oldest attraction in the city (established 1902) and has been watched over by the same family for three generations. The farm features about 200 alligators plus cougars, turkeys, chickens, wild boars, turtles, bobcats, and ring-tailed lemurs. The petting zoo includes goats, emus, llamas, white-tailed deer, pigs, and baby alligators. Visitors can hold a baby alligator, feed and pet miniature goats, and see wolves, lemurs, and raccoons up close. Live alligator feeding shows occur every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon from May through mid-October. The farm is famous for Babe Ruth's 573-foot home run that landed in the second pond during a 1918 spring training game. It also features "The Merman," a half-fish half-monkey specimen originally exhibited at the National Museum of China. Open Monday-Sunday 9:30 AM-5 PM.

The best time to visit Arkansas zoos is during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when mild weather is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions. Fall is considered the very best season overall - cooler weather arrives mid to late September, and by late September or early October humidity lowers with refreshing coolness after summer heat. Summer (late May through September) is very hot and humid with average highs of 93°F in July that can exceed 100°F and humidity up to 85%. If visiting in summer, come prepared with cool clothing, drink plenty of water, and take breaks from afternoon heat. April offers true spring temperatures but has highest average rainfall and occasional tornado potential. Little Rock Zoo is open daily 9 AM-4 PM rain or shine (last admission 3:30 PM) and closed certain holidays. Arkansas weather can be unpredictable with sudden thunderstorms, especially in summer.

Yes, Little Rock Zoo is committed to creating accessible experiences for all visitors. The zoo features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout and sensory-friendly exhibits. In 2023, the zoo partnered with KultureCity to become Sensory Inclusive, accommodating guests with autism, dementia, PTSD, and similar conditions that affect sensory processing. Mobility devices are available for rent at the Safari Trader Gift Shop on a first-come, first-serve basis (please return by 4:00 PM). Service animals are welcome as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The zoo aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, service animals, zoo residents, and all guests. For accessibility questions or help planning your visit, contact Guest Services at (501) 661-7235. Drive-through safari parks like Eureka Springs Safari Park are naturally accessible as visitors can view animals from the comfort of their own vehicles.

Little Rock Zoo plays an active role in global conservation efforts through AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs focused on sloth bears, Asian elephants, and orangutans, alongside other vital conservation initiatives. The Arkansas Zoological Foundation supports the zoo's animal welfare, conservation, and education programs. Eureka Springs Safari Park operates a breeding facility that helps protect and preserve rare and endangered species, some no longer found in the wild. Arkansas monitors 37 species statewide to ensure viability, with 20 animals endangered, 8 threatened, and 4 candidates including the Indiana bat (largest hibernating colony at Sherfield Cave), Ozark big-eared bat, gray myotis, and speckled pocketbook mussel. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission oversees a network of licensed wildlife rehabilitators who volunteer to take in sick, injured, or orphaned animals for rehabilitation and release back to the wild. Rehabilitators accept donations to offset costs of food, veterinary care, and transportation.

Yes, Little Rock Zoo memberships offer excellent value and pay for themselves after just two visits. Members enjoy unlimited zoo visits for a full year, free daily admission (excluding ticketed events), free parking (saving $3 per visit), discounts on zoo camps and education programs, gift shop discounts, select event discounts, and $1 off train and carousel rides. A major benefit is reciprocal admission providing free or discounted access to over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide through the AZA reciprocal program - your Little Rock Zoo membership works at major zoos across the country when traveling. Membership funds directly support conservation efforts locally and globally, helping protect endangered species and their habitats, while creating inclusive community programs making the zoo accessible for everyone to learn and connect with nature. Physical membership cards are available for $5, and online purchases include a $3 service fee. The zoo was founded in 1924 and is Arkansas's only AZA-accredited facility.

Last updated on November 27, 2025